Supported Internships for Young People with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
Transform your team with inclusive and innovative hiring. Connect with talented young people through our two-year SEND internship programme in Enfield.
Commissioned by Enfield Council | Delivered by West Lea School | Backed by Perry Scott
Fully Supported SEND Employment Good for people. Great for the Council.
Our Two-Year specialist supported Internship Programme connects Enfield Council teams with motivated young people with SEND who need a little extra support to succeed in the workplace.
We’re now recruiting Junior Interns to join Council departments from February 2026. Interns work 1–2 days per week for 20 weeks, developing workplace skills, hands-on experience, and confidence within your team.
Every internship placement includes:
- Dedicated job coach for induction, training, and progress reviews
- Low-risk pathway to build future talent
- No recruitment fees or obligation
- Simple, proven process
We’re ready to start job matching with Council teams.
Click the button to fill in the form.
“In Enfield, we believe that talent comes in many forms.
The internship programme, delivered by West Lea School in partnership with Enfield Council, isn’t just about creating opportunities for young people with additional needs. It’s about recognising the skills, potential, and fresh perspectives they bring to the workplace.
By investing in this programme, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive future for our borough, our businesses, and our communities.”
– Perry Scott, Chief Executive, Enfield Council
How Our Supported Internship Works
The internship is a Specialist Careers Programme for young people with SEND, aged 16-25 with an Education, Health & Care Plan (EHCP).
It provides a structured and supported transition from education to paid employment—helping individuals build self-assurance, capability and independence at a pace that works for them and their host teams.
Although there’s no obligation to recruit if the fit isn’t right, typically 80% of interns move into paid roles, so we recommend entering with a vacancy in mind.
Feb - Jul 2026
Junior Intern
Junior Intern
For 20 weeks, a Junior Intern joins your team one or two days a week. They start small and build confidence gradually, learning routines and practical skills at a pace that works for everyone. A West Lea job coach supports both you and your intern throughout. Away from work, Junior Interns attend training and personal development sessions at West Lea, focusing on teamwork, communication, and independence – preparing them to thrive in Year Two.
Jul 2026
Progress Review
Progress Review
At the end of the 20 weeks, we review progress together and agree the best next step. If your intern has flourished, they'll be invited to continue into Year Two - with no obligation on either side. Those not yet ready receive tailored guidance and support to help them prepare for the next opportunity.
Sep 2026 - Jul 2027
Senior Intern
Senior Intern
In Year Two, your Junior Intern steps up – and returns as a Senior Intern taking on greater responsibility and a larger role within your team. They'll work a minimum of 12 hours a week over two or more days, supported by the same trusted West Lea job coach. As confidence and capability grow, they become valued team members, often filling real entry-level vacancies. Regular reviews track progress, celebrate success, and ensure everything continues to work well.
Jul 2026 Onwards
Recruitment & Aftercare
Recruitment & Aftercare
If it's a great fit, we'll help you convert the internship into a paid role through a clear, fair process – often a working interview. Onboarding is simple because support needs are already known, and Learning for Life Charity (LFLC) continues coaching and aftercare. Retention rates are consistently high, with most interns thriving in long-term employment.
Click the button to fill in the form.
No recruitment fees. No obligation. A simple step-by-step process.
Why Internships Matter
Inclusion Makes Business Sense
Only about 5% of adults with a learning disability are in paid employment, despite many wanting to work. Together, West Lea School and Enfield Council are committed to changing that.
With the right opportunity and the right pace, local young people don’t just get jobs – they become loyal, capable employees who strengthen Council services and reflect the community we serve.
INTERNS take on real RESPONSIBILITIES
WELL-TESTED PROCESS BENEFITS ALL
- Minimal time to start – Year One is just one or two days a week, for 20 weeks
- Compliance sorted – including free risk assessments
- Hands-on support – a job coach handles induction and skill development
- Single point of contact – on-site support is on hand throughout
- Early access to talent – a pipeline of loyal, work-ready candidates
- Stronger teams – inclusion that lifts engagement of Council teams
Our internships are trusted by many
Click the button to fill in the form.
No recruitment fees. No obligation. A simple step-by-step process.
Our Interns Get Great Results
80%
offered paid roles
90%
still in post after two years
3.5x
more likely to stay than average employees
We Carefully Match Them With Host Teams
Our interns bring strengths that fit a range of Council services, including:
Administration · Customer Services · Catering & Hospitality · Facilities & Maintenance · Libraries & Community Services · Digital & Data Teams
Ebony
Enfield Council Educational Psychology Department
Karla
Commis Chef
Rapport Guest Services
(Bank of America)
Sam
Fine Dining Waiter
Restaurant Associates
(Deloitte)
Click the button to fill in the form.
No recruitment fees. No obligation. A simple step-by-step process.
A Guided, Well-Tested Process
What happens when I register my interest?
We’ll guide you through a proven process. By the time your intern arrives in February 2026, you’ll feel confident and ready.
Here’s how we make it easy:
- Single point of contact for managers
- We get to know your team and needs
- We agree where an intern can add real value
- Careful matching from our talent pool
- Free, tailored risk assessment
- Simple partnership plan – no surprises
- On-site job coach support throughout
What support is provided?
Your intern isn’t left to figure things out alone.
Here’s how we make it easy:
- Job coach leads induction, so they settle in quickly
- Role learned to your standards
- Coach steps back as confidence grows
- Regular check-ins to sort issues early
- Council-based job coach to support you
- Free training for your team
How do we decide whether an intern continues?
At the end of Year One, we review and agree the next best step together. For interns who are ready, Year Two is a step up – and, for many, a step into a paid role.
Here’s how we make it easy:
- Progress review in July 2026 – no obligation on either side
- If it’s a good fit, Year Two starts October 2026
- From October, interns work a minimum of 12 hours a week over two+ days
- The same job coach supports them and you
- Regular reviews to resolve issues early
What happens at the end of Year Two?
If all goes well, the end of Year Two leads to recruitment into a paid role.
Here’s how we make it easy:
- Clear, fair, compliant process (often a working interview)
- Onboarding is simple – as support needs are already known
- After hire, Learning for Life Charity (LFLC) continues job coach support
- Retention rates are consistently high
Click the button to fill in the form.
No recruitment fees. No obligation. A simple step-by-step process.
